ALTERNATIVE VAPOUR DEGREASER TO TRICHLOROETHYLENE (TCE)

Effects and health risks associated with TCE:

When inhaled, trichloroethylene produces central nervous system depression resulting in
general anesthesia. Its high blood solubility results in a less desirable slower induction of
anesthesia. Many types of cardiac arrhythmias can occur and are exacerbated by epinephrine
(adrenaline). These nerve deficits could last for months. Occasionally facial numbness was
permanent. Muscle relaxation with TCE anesthesia sufficient for surgery was poor. For these
reasons as well as problems with hepatotoxicity,
The symptoms of acute non-medical exposure are similar to those of alcohol intoxication,
beginning with headache, dizziness, and confusion and progressing with increasing exposure to
unconsciousness. Respiratory and circulatory depression can result in death.
Much of what is known about the human health effects of trichloroethylene is based on
occupational exposures. Beyond the effects to the central nervous system, workplace exposure to
trichloroethylene has been associated with toxic effects in the liver and kidney.
Research from Cancer bioassays performed by the National Cancer Institute (later the
National Toxicology Program) showed that exposure to trichloroethylene is carcinogenic in
animals, producing liver cancer in mice, and kidney cancer in rats.
In contrast, the most recent overall assessment of human health risks associated with
trichloroethylene states, "There is concordance between animal and human studies, which
supports the conclusion that trichloroethylene is a potential kidney carcinogen". The evidence
appears to be less certain at this time regarding the relationship between humans and liver cancer
observed in mice, with the US NAS suggesting that low-level exposure might not represent a
significant liver cancer risk in the general population.
Recent studies in laboratory animals and observations in human populations suggest that
exposure to trichloroethylene might be associated with congenital heart defects. While it is not
clear what levels of exposure are associated with cardiac defects in humans, there is consistency
between the cardiac defects observed in studies of communities exposed to trichloroethylene
contamination in groundwater, and the effects observed in laboratory animals.
The health risks of trichloroethylene have been studied extensively. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsored a "state of the science" review of the health
effects associated with exposure to trichloroethylene. The National Academy of Sciences
concluded that evidence on the carcinogenic risk and other potential health hazards from
exposure to TCE has strengthened.

Replacement for TCE: NuGenTec FluoSolv CX

Product Features - FluoSolv CX :

Non-Flammable and a non-Hazardous degreasing solvent for complex geometrical metal

parts. Removes most industrial oils, greases and waxes.

Unique physical properties include high density, low viscosity, chemical and thermal
stability. Low toxicity, and ease of recovery by distillation make NuGenTec FluoSolv
CX ideal for a broad range of applications.

Drop-in replacement for n-Propyl Bromide, TCE and AK-225 in common commercial
vapor-degreasers

NuGenTec FluoSolv CX is a proprietary azeotropic blend of hydrofluorocarbons,

hydrofluorethers and 1,2 Trans-dichloroethylene. It is non-ozone depleting and a has a low
global warming potential ideally suited for use in vapor degreasing equipment for cleaning metal
parts. It's high Kb value makes it a drop-in replacement for such legacy cleaning solvents as
AK-225, n-propyl bromide and TCE.
NuGenTec FluoSolv CX is a versatile solvent for precision cleaning and myriad
degreasing applications. Table 1 below shows how some of its characteristic properties can be
used advantageously.
Table 1

Physical Properties:
Table 2

Environmental Information:
FluoSolv CX is a non-ODP (ozone depleting potential) solvent and has a very low GWP
(global warming potential). Table 3 below is a summary of key environmental properties of
NuGenTec FluoSolv CX.
Table 3

Handling & Storage:

NuGenTec FluoSolv CX does not have a flash point. It is classified as a non-flammable
liquid per DOT shipping regulations. FluoSolv CX is a thermally stable liquid and will not

degrade or oxidize during storage, however recommended storage temperatures are between
-10C and 52C. Due to its chemical and thermal stability there is no shelf-life as such for the
product. However, product stored for extended period of time should be re-tested non-volatile
(NVR) residues from the drum liner.
Replacing Trichloroethylene with NuGenTec FluoSolv CX:
Why is it important to replace Trichloroethylene with a safe and environmentally friendly
solvent such as FluoSolv CX?
Below are ten Environmental, Safety and Health reasons for using FluoSolv CX in place of
Trichloroethylene as a vapor degreasing solvent.
1) Trichloroethylene is classed as a Category 2 Carcinogen. R-45 Risk Phrase May cause
cancer.
2) Trichloroethylene also carries the Risk Phrases R36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin. R67
Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
3) Trichloroethylene is classed as a CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reproductive Toxin)
by the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) 1999-13-EC. FluoSolv CX is not classed as a
CMR and does not carry any of the above Risk Phrases.
4) Exposure Guidelines for Trichloroethylene is 50 ppm (NIOSHA). PPG, a US
manufacturer of Trichloroethylene, has established an internal exposure limit of 5 ppm.
FluoSolv CX has an allowable exposure limit of 200ppm
5) The SED allows an exemption below 1 tonne per annum consumption for
Trichloroethylene and requires a replacement as soon as possible. FluoSolv CX has a 2
tonne per annum exemption and no requirement for substitution.
6) Trichloroethylene has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 140 (100 yr ITH). FluoSolv
CX has a GWP of 50.
7) Trichloroethylene is a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) and is subject to Annual Reporting
requirements per EPCRA 313 (SARA). FluoSolv CX is not a HAP hence vapor emissions
do not require extraction.
8) Trichloroethylene is chemically unstable and requires addition of stabilizers for use in
vapor degreasers. Acid-acceptance testing is done to maintenance of stabilizers. FluoSolv
CX is a blend of chemically stable molecules that do not disintegrate in vapor degreasers
so no stabilizers are added.
9) Trichloroethylene has a boiling point of 87C and a high heat of vaporization, both
resulting in higher energy consumption for vapor degreasing. FluoSolv CX has a boiling
point of 44C and a lower heat of vaporization requiring less energy for vapor
degreasing.
10) Due to its chemical instability, a Trichloroethylene solvent has to be periodically removed
and replaced with fresh solvent. This results in a liquid waste stream as well as added
expense. No liquid waste stream is generated if FluoSolv CX is used, making it an
environmentally friendly choice for vapor degreasing.

11) Risk factors associated with vapour degreaser:

TCE

FluoSolv CX

R23 - Toxic if inhalation

R23 - Toxic if inhalation

R25 Toxic if swallowed

R25 Toxic if swallowed

R45 Causes cancer

R52 Harmful to aquatic organisms

R36 Irritating to eyes

R38 Irritating to Skin
R52 Harmful to aquatic organisms
R53 Cause long term adverse to
aquatic organisms

Packaging and Availability:

NuGenTec FluoSolv CX is available directly from NuGenTec. It is available in 55 gal
carbon-steel lined drums, 5 gal carbon steel lined pails and 1 gal amber glass bottles. Each
standard packaging has a package net wt. as follows:

55 gal net wt. = 550 lbs.

5 gal pail net wt. = 55 lbs.
1 gal glass bottle net wt. = 11 lbs.

They also offer custom packaging in stainless steel drums for critical applications that require
low NVR. For information and orders call 800-563-1305 or email fluosolv@nugentec.com.